Will alpine boots fit into a randonee binding?

Question

Hi I am an avid skier and i want to get a randonee setup, but i want to know if i need to get boots. I have heard taht a normal alpine boot fits into a randonee binding, is this true?

Answer 1

Most randonee bindings are compatible with alpine boots but they will not provide as secure of a fit.  This may affect your din and cause you to release easier.  

Also if you are planning on doing a fair amount of backcountry skiing you would be much more comfortable in a randonee boot.  Alpine boots are typically much heavier and if you have to do any extra hiking without your skins the mountaineering style of randonee boots will be very beneficial. Most rando boots have a walk and ski mode and are much softer than alpine boots.  This provides a more natural flex while hiking.  

I have personally attempted to backcountry ski with alpine boots while on vacation and found it to be very inconvenient to use alpine boots over randonee.

But ultimately the choice is yours, get a pair of skis with fritschi bindings and see how they work with your alpine boots.  If it is too much of a problem look into purchasing randonee boots.

Answer 2

Normally they will. There is not much difference between the toe and heel of an alpine boot and the toe and heel of a randonee boot.

Vice versa is true as well. The owner of the local ski hill here uses AT boots in a regular set up with no problems.

Aside from the lugged soles of a randonee boot, I really don't see a great difference in comfort or ease of walking than I do with am alpine boot. If you only make short traverses, I really don't see the point in dropping mad cash on AT boots....but that's just me.

Find a shop that has demo AT boots and find out for yourself when you have the opportunity.

You do know "Randonee" is the French word for "Can't Tele.", right? (Sorry...had to take the shot. What kind of self-righteous telemarker would I be if I didn't?)

Good Luck!